The 5 Commandments of Going Global: Part 3

For small companies, competing in the business world can be a daunting task. But in the ever-evolving digital age, more and more small companies are able to play in the big leagues. They can be in serious competition with national and even global corporations.

So how does a small business take advantage of the business world and up their game? Roosevelt Giles, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Atlanta Life Financial Group, Inc., shares five insightful tips on how going digital can make your small company bigger and better than ever.

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Commandment 3: Be The Expert

In order to tell people why your services are so valuable, you must know the answer yourself! An active digital presence and strategic alliances won’t be helpful to you if you are not able to present yourself as an expert in your field. You must articulate quickly what your company does in 140 characters or less. If you understand your subject matter backwards and forwards, you will be able to show your potential client the advantage they will have by choosing your company as their source of product and information.

It’s important to be able to clearly explain what your company does and how it’s done in all types of environments, from a one-on-one meeting with a potential customer to a speaking engagement where hundreds or thousands of people are present. Often, you will be asked questions that you might not expect, or be asked to comment on how your services will be helpful in a specific situation. While you cannot predict every question or comment that will be said to you, you can prepare for these instances by having a working knowledge of not only your company and the services it provides, but knowledge on similar companies, related markets, and how to practically apply your knowledge to various situations that your client might encounter.

They say practice makes perfect – and being an expert is a great example of this. While speaking in any kind of environment, you will need to think quickly on your feet and present yourself in a manner that gives your client confidence in your expertise and abilities. Practice what you are going to say. Memorize key facts about your industry and the major players with in it. Ask for feedback on speaking engagements so you know how to improve for the next time. Positioning yourself as an expert will not only grow your business, but also gain you the reputation of being thoroughly committed to understanding your clients’ needs.

About the Author

Mr. Roosevelt Giles serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors at Atlanta Life Financial Group, Inc. and as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Information Management Systems, Incorporated. With over 26 years of experience in the information technology field, he spends much of his time sharing his business expertise all over the world, and is an internationally-known technology expert, speaker and lecturer. Follow him on Twitter and connect with him on LinkedIn.